NY Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer 'really happy,' hopes to be with team for long time

William Perlman/The Star-LedgerBrian Schottenheimer, right, says he loves working for Jets head coach Rex Ryan, left.NOTEBOOK

On Monday, head coach Rex Ryan told the media he was trying to “enjoy” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during the Jets’ trip to the postseason, because he is “a little afraid” the team will soon lose him to a head-coaching position elsewhere.

Maybe Ryan doesn’t have to worry after all.

“The last couple years, I’ve had some opportunities, and was very interested,” said Schottenheimer, who has been named as a possible candidate for the Bills vacancy. “And for the first time in a real long time, I’m really happy. I love it here; I love working for coach Ryan. I hope I’m here for a long time.”

That’s not to say Schottenheimer, who has in the past interviewed for the Ravens, Dolphins and Jets jobs, would decline to talk with other organizations if the opportunity arose. He said he would “listen” if a team requested to talk with him — which, with the Jets in the wild-card game, has not happened with Buffalo, nor did Schottenheimer say he had any knowledge of their interest beyond the reported rumors.

But, the 36-year-old coach also said he “probably” could envision turning down a head-coaching offer, though he acknowledged he hasn’t fully thought about it yet. What changed from previous years, when he worked under former Jets coach Eric Mangini?

Schottenheimer mentioned the team’s unlikely run to the playoffs and the players he has built relationships with, including rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. But it was clear the biggest difference for him is Ryan, whom Schottenheimer said is easy to work for and builds up everyone around him.

“It’s all about timing,” Schottenheimer said. “You want to be in the right spot and I feel like, right now, I’m in a great spot ... I made the decision to come back last year not knowing what this year would hold working for Rex. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been pretty (darn) close.”

LB David Harris did not practice again Wednesday, after spraining his ankle in last week’s win, but began jogging on the side. Ryan acknowledged that he expects him on the field Saturday against the Bengals.

“I think he’ll go, just because of the guy he is,” Ryan said.

Jets receiver Braylon Edwards said he was inundated with text messages after the Jets qualified for the playoffs. Somewhat ironically, two of those text messages came from Mangini and Brian Daboll — the head coach and offensive coordinator respectively of the Browns, the organization whose October trade of Edwards to the Jets put him on a postseason-bound squad for the first time in his five-year career.

“It’s a career turnaround,” Edwards said of coming to the Jets. “It’s one situation where you’re down, you’re out, you’re frustrated and you see your life or career going one direction. And then, in the blink of an eye, it’s going another, a very positive direction.”

S Kerry Rhodes, who has played well down the stretch after his two-game benching, said Ryan gave him a “vote of confidence” after the Week 13 Buffalo game, telling him, “we want you here.” But Rhodes maintained his future with the team will still be evaluated after the season is over.

“I’m comfortable in the situation now but, like I said, we’ll revaluate things after the season,” said Rhodes, who signed a five-year, $33.5 million extension in April 2008. “They’ve given me the vote of confidence that they want me here. But still, you have to put things into perspective after the season, see how it goes.”

RB Thomas Jones was added to the injury report Wednesday with what Ryan said was just “a little swelling in the knee.” He practiced fully. CB Donald Strickland (quad) worked in a limited capacity.Jenny Vrentas may be reached at jvrentas@starledger.com